run-up to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run-up to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the period leading up to a particular event or situation. Example: "In the run-up to the election, candidates ramped up their campaigns to attract more voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In the run-up to the announcement.

The Guardian

But controversy clouded the run-up to the flotation.

The Economist

I haven't enjoyed the run-up to the election.

The Guardian

"The run-up to September is not about numbers.

The New York Times

The run-up to the Jets' incident was orchestrated.

The New York Times - Sports

The run-up to the election was overshadowed by scandals.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Overdraft fees can run up to $40.

The New York Times

Fines run up to $500.

The Guardian

But the mill's load can run up to 73 megawatts.

The New York Times

He has run up to Capitol Hill for damage control.

The New York Times

It could run up to forty kilometres, screaming and biting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run-up to" when you want to emphasize the time period immediately before a significant event, especially when that period involves preparation, anticipation, or escalating activity.

Common error

Avoid using "run-up to" for events that are distantly related in time. It's best suited for the immediate lead-up, not a broad historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run-up to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to describe the period preceding a significant event. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, demonstrating its role in setting a temporal context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "run-up to" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that effectively denotes the period preceding an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use it to indicate the immediate lead-up to an event, emphasizing the preparation or anticipation involved. Alternatives such as "lead-up to" provide similar meaning, while being mindful of its specific temporal scope will ensure correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead-up to

Direct synonym, simply replaces "run" with "lead".

approach to

Focuses on the nearing of an event, similar to the preparatory period.

preceding period

Emphasizes the time frame before an event.

build-up to

Highlights the increasing intensity or anticipation before an event.

days before

Specifies a timeframe leading up to an event.

preparations for

Highlights the actions taken before an event.

preliminary phase

Highlights the initial stage before an event or activity.

events leading to

Focuses on happenings that contribute to a final event.

timeframe preceding

Specifies the period of time before an event.

antecedent events

Focuses on the occurrences that came before.

FAQs

What does "run-up to" mean?

The phrase "run-up to" refers to the period of time immediately before an important event, often characterized by preparation or anticipation.

How can I use "run-up to" in a sentence?

You can use "run-up to" to describe the period before an election, a holiday, or any other significant event. For example, "In the "run-up to" Christmas orders were flying."

What is a good alternative to "run-up to"?

A good alternative is "lead-up to", which carries a very similar meaning.

Is "run-up to" formal or informal?

The phrase "run-up to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as exemplified by its usage in sources ranging from "The Guardian" to scientific publications.